Category Archives: Dog Bite Fatalities

A collection of posts from the DogsBite.org Blog documenting U.S. dog bite fatalities in real time, beginning in 2007. Tags separate specific years.

2019 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs

81% of All Dog Bite Fatalities Had Breed Identification Images Photographs of six fatally attacking dogs in 2019 obtained from multiple sources. Jump down to view all 2019 breed identification photographs or read our analysis first. DogsBite.org - In 2013, we began the tradition of publishing breed identification photographs of fatally attacking dogs when available through news reports, animal control agencies, police departments and social media websites. Of the 4… [Read full blog post]

Annual Update: Estimated U.S. Cities, Counties, States and Military Housing with Breed-Specific Laws (2019-2020)

The top three regulated dog breeds: pit bulls, rottweilers and wolf-dog hybrids. BSL Estimate 2019-2020 DogsBite.org - Since 2011, we have maintained an estimate of breed-specific laws across the United States, including breed-specific policies governing military housing. A decade ago, all three major military divisions -- U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force -- banned a group of dangerous dog breeds, chiefly pit bulls, rottweilers and wolf-dog hybrids, d… [Read full blog post]

2019 Dog Bite Fatality: Pit Bull Kills 44-Year Old Female Owner in Somerset, Massachusetts

Melissa Astacio, 44-years old, died after being viciously attacked by her pet pit bull. Pit Bull Kills Owner Somerset, MA - A 44-year old woman died after being mauled by a family pit bull. Melissa Astacio suffered a seizure Friday evening in her Somerset home. Her daughter called 911 and said that her mother was having a seizure when the dog started to attack her, according to a press release from the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. Police were forced to Taser the do… [Read full blog post]

2019 Dog Bite Fatality: Woman Killed, Another Seriously Injured by Three Pit Bulls in North Houston

Medessa Ragsdale, 44, was found dead after a vicious dog attack in north Houston. Dogs Kill Woman Houston, TX - One woman is dead and another severely injured after a vicious dog attack in north Houston, according to police. The attack occurred in the 5500 block of Arlington Street near East Hamilton Road. About 5:45 am police received a call from a man who said his wife was attacked and injured by dogs. Several minutes later, another person called who said he owned the dogs. Acco… [Read full blog post]